Running a business brings challenges and the road to success is often not a straight one, with bumps along the way. How those challenges are handled and overcome is what’s important. It’s also vital to champion these courageous business owners who are passionate about their organisations and who are prepared to take risks. For this reason we have again chosen to sponsor the Business Person of the Year category at the 2016 West Oxfordshire Business Awards (WOBAs).
Open to all individuals, the Award seeks to recognise the hard work of business owners and directors to develop and grow their businesses. Nominations can be taken from people who have worked in a business for a minimum of 5 years.
Last year’s winner, Charlotte Pimm, owner of Woozelbears, comments "Completing the WOBA application form always surprises me. It shows what I’ve actually achieved and each year I’ve completed the plans that I set out".
Benefits to entering are numerous. For Charlotte the ‘award cements the drive to succeed’ by allowing her time to reflect on successes. The awards are really important for networking and having business peers recognising your achievements is fulfilling. In addition, you will gain a new perspective on your business, allowing you to clarify or even modify your plans for the future. As Bill Smith, Financial Director of STL Communications explains, ‘from my own experience as an entrant, it really makes you think about how much you do for your business and even changes your behaviours, makes you better at what you do. So in a way, all WOBA entrants are winners’.
Judges will be looking for evidence of:
• Strategic business plans being developed and implemented
• Implemented plans that have resulted in growth and improved profitability
• How you have taken steps to exceed customer expectations
• How you have raised your organisation’s profile
To make your entry the best it can be, and therefore give you the best chance of walking away with the trophy on the night, here are some top tips to help you write your award entry:
1. Take your time. Work out which triumphs show your business achievements in the best light. Be selective with the material. A well written, considered entry that stands out from the rest is your ticket to the shortlist.
2. Don’t copy and paste answers from an old entry or another category. Start fresh because this award is about you, the individual, not just the business!
3. Give the judges what they’re looking for. Make sure you take a note of the criteria above and give examples to show how they have been met.
4. Do yourself justice. This is your opportunity to shine – no one else will be telling the judges how good you are, so think about examples that will enable you to stand out.
5. Be truthful. Whatever you write, make sure it can be substantiated. The form asks for any challenges you’ve faced, so give us the bad as well as the good. A business person who can learn from mistakes and become stronger is one we’re interested to hear more about.
6. Put it to the team. Ask your colleagues what should go into the entry – they will likely have a different perspective from you and may throw in some gems you might not have thought of.
7. Enjoy yourself. Businesses that enter the WOBAs can expect to receive publicity which will enhance the credibility of your firm and offer you real local recognition. You’ll also develop a new network of contacts in the judges, organisers and other businesses entering the Awards.
As an additional incentive to enter, winners of a WOBA will automatically be shortlisted for the corresponding award at the prestigious county-wide Oxfordshire Business Awards later next summer.
Entries close on Monday 30 November 2015. To make your nomination, visit www.woba.org.uk for more details.